Guilty plea in 2011 shooting on Liberty Street in Newburgh

GOSHEN - Robert McKenzie, 23, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty Thursday in Orange County Court to assault in a 2011 shooting.

The shooting, on Nov. 21, left Donovan “Snoop” James with serious leg wounds that required hospitalization. James, also of Newburgh, was well-known on the streets and had been outspoken about violence in the city’s streets.

In court, McKenzie admitted to firing two rounds at James that night on Liberty Street outside the Terrace Lounge.

He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree assault, a felony, the same level of offense as the original top count he faced, attempted murder.

In exchange for his plea, McKenzie will get eight years in prison, plus post-release supervision by parole, when he’s sentenced on June 3.